Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Opticare Vision

Thursday, July 7, 2016

PHOTOS: Michele's Fort Thomas Fourth of July Parade (2016)

Of all the holiday events in Fort Thomas, nothing showcases the history, vibrancy, and friendliness of our neighborhood more than the Independence Day celebration.

As I stood with my neighbors in their festive clothing, watching the children plan their candy strategy, I was struck by the wonderful tradition Fort Thomas has of honoring our nation's past (as well as our city's), while celebrating our future through our greatest treasure: our children. As I took photos of the parade, they were my main focus.

It wasn't long before I met a tiny Fort Thomas resident who had only been in our country for two weeks. Elena was celebrating her very first Independence Day parade with her sister, Anna Grace, and her mom, Wynne Philippe. Little Elena enjoyed waving at the parade as it went by. Two weeks ago Elena was living in China and now her home is in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, another classic story of America.

Look carefully at the faces in these photos for they are the future of our city.

Names are mentioned if known.

Elena waving at the parade.

Anna Grace, Wynne, and Elena Philippe

Madison and Mckinley Cappel

Presley Hamm

Stella Norman

Diamond Swaitti with her father

Brody Kremer and Joey Aber

The City of Fort Thomas officials

Highlands Band

Adele Ross, a member of Highlands Color Guard

Fort Thomas Education Foundation (FTEF)

National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary Ingles Chapter

Benjamin Franklin

The Boy Scouts dragon

Belladance Academy

Many dogs were enjoying the parade or walking in it.

If your house is on the parade route, you might as well have some water fun while you're watching.